Updated 9:39 pm, Thursday, April 28, 2011

STRATFORD -- Associate head coach Chris Dailey initially did not anticipate staying at UConn for very long.

Joining the women's basketball program in 1985, she and head coach Geno Auriemma viewed it as a building block for their resumes.

Twenty-six years have passed and Dailey still finds herself in Storrs with Auriemma. Together, they have been part of seven national championships, 11 Final Four appearances and 771 wins.

Dailey was honored Thursday at the eighth annual Sterling House Celebrity Breakfast at Vazzano's Four Seasons for her contribution to the Huskies' unimaginable success and for her impact on sports in Connecticut.

Sterling House Community Center senior program and athletic director Bill O'Brien presented her with the Sterling Spirit Award, which pays tribute to those contributing to the positive spirit of sports in Connecticut.

"Each year it's tough to pick somebody for that because we think it's a very important and very special award,'' O'Brien said. "And over the years she's just been such an example of sportsmanship, really. She's such a role model. It's incredible the job they do with the girls, and I know she's a big part of it. So, really, when we started thinking about names and who deserved it she was long overdue.''

Dailey, who doubled as the guest speaker at the charitable event, entertained about 200 guests. She posed for pictures before and after and her story-telling of UConn's visits to the White House provided many laughs.

"I always enjoy getting to meet people and the stories,'' Dailey said. "It's just a lot of fun for me.''

The event raised an estimated $20,000. A basketball signed by the Huskies generated $950 during a live auction.

Sterling House is a multi-service community center that is dedicated to providing people of all ages with affordable social, educational and recreational activities that assist their positive and healthy development.

"I appreciate the fact that they appreciate what we did,'' Dailey said. "And I think to help raise money for such a great cause is just an opportunity that you can't pass up. I have a responsibility to do that.''